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Floreal Named Team USA Head Coach for 2015 World Championships in China

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky track and field head coach Edrick Floréal (pictured) has been appointed the head coach of Team USA's men's delegation at the 2015 International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships, USA Track and Field announced Tuesday.

The 2015 World Championships will be held August 22-30 in Beijing, China at Beijing National Stadium, affectionately known as the “Bird’s Nest”.

"Representing your country is the greatest honor a civilian can receive and I'm humbled at the opportunity," Floréal said. "USATF has put together a tremendous staff and we are looking forward to assisting the athletes in accomplishing their goals.

Floréal, who has led Kentucky to elite status in collegiate track and field in his three seasons in Lexington, boasts considerable previous experience with Team USA at major championships.

Floréal served as an assistant coach at the 2012 Olympic Team's men's jumps and combined events, helping athletes capture six medals – two gold – in London.

Under Floréal's direction, Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee went 1-2, capturing the gold and silver medals in the men's decathlon. Eaton claimed gold tallying an overall final score of 8869, with Hardee close behind at 8671.

Floréal also guided two Americans to gold and silver in the men's triple jump. Christian Taylor took home gold, while fellow American Will Claye followed him with a silver medal. Claye also won bronze in the long jump, while Erik Kynard took silver in the high jump under Floréal’s tutelage.

Floréal served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2002 IAAF World Junior Championships.

Floreal's son, EJ, is a 6-4 walk-on guard for UK's basketball team.

In two-plus years at UK, Floréal has built the Wildcats into a national power in track and field, with the men’s and women’s teams breaking multiple school record finishes at the NCAA and Southeastern Conference Championships. During the same period, Wildcat athletes have earned 42 All-America honors, 18 individual SEC Championships and two individual NCAA Championships.